By Jody Bennett
I have recently been suffering with prolonged ill health, during which I spent several weeks mostly in bed and feeling rotten. Illness naturally makes one morbid and introspective, but I don’t like self-pity, and as a Christian I believe that everything happens for a reason, so I sought to use the time not to ask the tempting question “Why, Lord?” but instead “What are you trying to teach me, Lord?”
Here are 10 insights I had:
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Tag: suffering
Do you have what it takes?
Published April 2020
IF you are not a Christian but are thinking of becoming one, there is something important you should know: it may cost you your life. Not just figuratively, either – literally. Christianity is not for weaklings, do you even have what it takes?
We don’t wear signs
A WOMAN was driving in the traffic when she got stuck behind a very slow moving car. Just as she was getting annoyed, she saw a sign in the back window that said: Learning stick [shift], sorry for any delay.
Instantly she was more patient with the driver ahead.
It reminds me of another story I heard about a man on a train with his unruly kids, who were jumping around and causing mayhem until another passenger complained about the man’s lack of parenting.
The distracted father responded: “I’m sorry, we’re just coming back from their mother’s funeral.”
Disappointment with God
THIS paper is filled with success stories about people who have found God, been set free from their addictions, been healed emotionally and physically, had their marriages restored and found a peace and joy that was previously unknown. As a result of this, you may be forgiven for thinking that giving your life to Jesus will fix all your problems and make your life rosy.
The truth is, though, that in the Christian life there will likely be deep disappointments and unanswered prayers.
Are you suffering through Christmas?
Published Christmas 2018
Most people are familiar with the basics of the Christmas story and the manger scene of baby Jesus in the hay; however, they might think ‘well so what? Even if that is the historical basis for Christmas, it is irrelevant to me now in the 21st century.’
Christmas, to most Aussies, has come to mean presents, food and maybe some time off.
For some, though, it is not even a festive holiday but a hard time. Christmas may bring with it unnecessary debt, unwanted expectations, demanding social engagements and painful memories of family members who are no longer with us or relationships that have broken down.
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